Microsoft’s SideWinder X4 Keyboard ain’t afraid of no ghosting

Microsoft's SideWinder X4 Keyboard boasts anti-ghosting technology that can detect up to 26 key presses at once

While it might not be ideal for fighting apparitions of the dearly departed, Microsoft claims its latest keyboard boasts the most advanced anti-ghosting technology ever to grace a keyboard. The ghosting being referred to is when multiple keys are pressed on a keyboard simultaneously result in the incorrect key signal being sent to the PC, or some of the key presses being ignored altogether. To combat this Microsoft’s SideWinder X4 Keyboard can detect up to 26 key presses at once, which is sure to appeal to hard-core gamers and 26 fingered typists alike.

The keyboard is able to detect up to 26 key presses because each key is scanned independently by the keyboard hardware. So no matter how many other keys are being pressed at the same time, each key press will be correctly detected. While this might not seem necessary for glacial-like typists like myself, it is particularly advantageous to gamers looking to accurately execute complex key combinations.

But the gamer-friendly specs don’t stop there. Microsoft has also included Macro recording so multiple moves can be strung together at the push of a button, as well as a new automatic macro repetition feature that lets users repeat a macro over and over as needed with one key. Additionally mode and profile switching makes it easy to customize the keyboard for different games and users, while adjustable back-lighting lets gamers select the lighting level to suit the situation.

Microsoft's SideWinder X4 Keyboard will be available for ghost-busting duty in March for the estimated retail price of US$59.95.